People travel across the US for various reasons. Some leave New York for Florida, Texas, or another tropical location before the bitter winter weather sets in. They then need to make the journey back home in the spring.
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These long distances are too far for a car owner to drive safely and affordably, so most opt to transport their car with a reliable, credentialed cross-country car shipping provider. These services are convenient and cost-efficient but also allow car owners to preserve the vehicle’s condition.
When hauled instead of driven, there’s no added wear and tear, no fear of an accident or breakdown, and no accumulated mileage on the auto. When considering a car’s cost and the desire to maintain its value, an investment in auto transport is worthwhile.
Mistakes To Avoid with Auto Transport Services
When deciding to ship your car from New York to another area of the country, becoming familiar with how the process works is essential to avoid possible mistakes throughout the process.
With due diligence, you can expect a positive experience with one of the many auto transport companies in New York. Carriers aim to haul cars across the country most efficiently and promptly, allowing peace of mind that they will arrive in the same condition as when they’re picked up.
What are the most common mistakes faced by car owners transporting their vehicles from one state to the next? Let’s review.
Insufficient research
When shipping a car for the first time, becoming familiar with the process is essential. Often, car owners neglect sufficient research, culminating in a poor experience.
Fortunately, much information is available online with tips on finding a quality car shipping service, what’s involved with transporting a vehicle across the country, the protocol carriers require to prepare cars for transit, and the services and costs associated with shipping.
As a rule, the provider should be registered with the DOT- Department of Transportation. Plus, the carrier must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration when transporting cars from one state to the next.
Adequate research will involve confirming the provider’s registration number with the associated government website.
Further, checking customer testimonials, third-party impartial reviews, and authoritarian sites like the Better Business Bureau for ratings and pending complaints will speak for the company registration.
Packing personal effects in the auto
When relocating out of New York, whether for the winter or permanently, many car owners load their cars with boxes to make the move easier. Some auto transport companies allow up to 100 lbs. of personal belongings out of sight in the vehicle, either in the truck or securely placed in the back of the car.
It’s important to understand that these items won’t be insured, nor will the carrier take responsibility for them if anything is damaged or lost. There’s also a risk of the DOT seizing these effects upon inspection of the trailer.
This is why most carriers ask that cars be emptied of all contents before the auto is loaded for transit.
If you do work with an auto transport company that allows the car to be packed, keeping the content to generic items instead of anything valuable is essential. These items won’t be recoverable if they’re seized or lost in transit.
Inadequate car prep
Reputable car shipping services provide protocols that car owners need to adhere to for adequate vehicle prep to ensure safe transport. Part of that process involves detail cleaning the auto inside and out. The car will be inspected when picked up, and a clean vehicle will highlight existing damage more readily.
The damages can then be noted on the Bill of Lading. It’s wise to have a maintenance check with a reputable mechanic who can check that the tires are properly inflated, the fluids are full, the battery is charged, and no leaks need to be fixed.
The gas tank should be filled to only ¼ tank. This keeps the weight down on the load and prevents a potential safety risk. Click for tips on how to prepare for New York Car shipping.
Missing documentation
Auto transport companies require specific records before they can ship the vehicle. These essentially prove ownership and will include the vehicle registration. If you don’t own the auto, the lienholder’s authorization is mandatory to be able to move the vehicle.
The Bill of Lading is a document the carrier will have you complete before shipment. You’ll need to get a copy before shipping since this will also be required when the car is delivered. This report details any preexisting damage and outlines the results of the inspection.
Also vital is obtaining confirmation of carrier insurance to cover potential damage that could occur while in transit. The provider should review this coverage so you’re fully aware of the coverage details. You can also obtain added coverage from your insurance carrier if you believe the policy is insufficient.
Final Thought
When relocating from New York to another state or across the country, missteps can happen in the car shipping process when due diligence is not followed in researching the policies and procedures.
Vehicle transport can seem complex for those new to it, but when well-informed of the potential mistakes, these can be avoided for a hassle-free move.
